Intro to HDV for DV users? at DVinfo.net

Shawn McBee · October 4th, 2005, 09:26 PM

Hi all,

I am just getting ready to purchase the GY-HD100U and I was wondering if any of you more experienced HD / HDV users can give myself and any other DV users tips on what new information and/or skills we'll need to develop in order to operate effectively in an HD / HDV environment. Specifically, in my case, for narrative work.

Thanks in advance,

-Shawn McBee

Douglas Spotted Eagle · October 4th, 2005, 09:54 PM

Shawn, you might want to check out http://vasst.com/?v=touragenda/I_want_my_hdv.htm

Even though the free evening is funded by Sony, the second day is straight HDV. No real Sony or JVC or Canon lean, it's just about HDV production, featuring myself, Heath McKnight from here at DVInfo.net, and others.

Shawn McBee · October 4th, 2005, 10:44 PM

That sounds great, Douglas. I'll probably be at the Ft. Lauterdale event in December!

Steven White · October 5th, 2005, 10:12 AM

1. FOCUS.

Easily the biggest difference between DV and HDV is the focussing requirements.

2. Don't stop down too far.

Due to the 1/3" chips, all our cheepo HDV camcorders are diffraction limited at higher f-stops.

- add camera shake in post if you want it... stabilize if you don't
- use lighting, filters, etc. creatively to maximize the apparant dynamic range of the images

-Steve

Heath McKnight · October 5th, 2005, 12:33 PM

Read this book, too. Chock full of info.

heath

Kevin Shaw · October 5th, 2005, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steven White

Easily the biggest difference between DV and HDV is the focussing requirements.

For me one of the biggest differences between DV and HDV has been learning how to deal with widescreen versus 4:3 format issues, both during editing and output. Of course if you've been doing widescreen DV that wouldn't be a problem, but otherwise it's a significant change.

Shawn McBee · October 6th, 2005, 03:52 AM

Thanks so much for all the input so far. Of course, The more info the better!

Christopher C. Murphy · October 6th, 2005, 01:40 PM

Hey Shawn,

I've been going back and forth using HDV and DV cameras for a long while now. The differences are small, but those small differences make a huge difference later in the edit room.

I just did a corporate gig today using an X1L - the camera seems light years behind my Z1U in picture quality and ease of use. Ok, light years is a bit much! But, it just didn't feel right using it...I was forced to of course. I did a corporate gig last month where I used my Z1U and it was a little softer than a JVC large shoulder mount. That's something to note.

Pan with action and if it's fast action...up the shutter speed a little to compensate. Also, add more light if possible...you could add gain instead or open your iris of course. It just needs more light anyway you slice it.

Buy and stick with decent tape stock - minimum I get is Sony Premium and haven't had any problems. However, people have said that dropouts are possible because of the nature of the mechanics with HDV...play it safe if you are shooting something important.

October 4th, 2005, 09:26 PM	#1
Shawn McBee Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 69	Intro to HDV for DV users? Hi all, I am just getting ready to purchase the GY-HD100U and I was wondering if any of you more experienced HD / HDV users can give myself and any other DV users tips on what new information and/or skills we'll need to develop in order to operate effectively in an HD / HDV environment. Specifically, in my case, for narrative work. Thanks in advance, -Shawn McBee __________________ "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." -Mark Twain

October 4th, 2005, 09:54 PM	#2
Douglas Spotted Eagle VASST Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Stockton, UT Posts: 5,648	Shawn, you might want to check out http://vasst.com/?v=touragenda/I_want_my_hdv.htm Even though the free evening is funded by Sony, the second day is straight HDV. No real Sony or JVC or Canon lean, it's just about HDV production, featuring myself, Heath McKnight from here at DVInfo.net, and others. __________________ Douglas Spotted Eagle/Spot Author, producer, composer Certified Sony Vegas Trainer http://www.vasst.com

October 4th, 2005, 10:44 PM	#3
Shawn McBee Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 69	That sounds great, Douglas. I'll probably be at the Ft. Lauterdale event in December! __________________ "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." -Mark Twain

October 5th, 2005, 12:33 PM	#5
Heath McKnight MPS Digital Studios Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Palm Beach County, Florida Posts: 8,531	Read this book, too. Chock full of info. heath __________________ My Final Cut Pro X blog

October 6th, 2005, 03:52 AM	#7
Shawn McBee Regular Crew Join Date: May 2002 Location: Sarasota, FL Posts: 69	Thanks so much for all the input so far. Of course, The more info the better! __________________ "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." -Mark Twain

October 5th, 2005, 10:12 AM	#4
Steven White Major Player Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Canada Posts: 547	1. FOCUS. Easily the biggest difference between DV and HDV is the focussing requirements. 2. Don't stop down too far. Due to the 1/3" chips, all our cheepo HDV camcorders are diffraction limited at higher f-stops. - add camera shake in post if you want it... stabilize if you don't - use lighting, filters, etc. creatively to maximize the apparant dynamic range of the images -Steve

October 6th, 2005, 01:40 PM	#8
Christopher C. Murphy Trustee Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 1,707	Hey Shawn, I've been going back and forth using HDV and DV cameras for a long while now. The differences are small, but those small differences make a huge difference later in the edit room. I just did a corporate gig today using an X1L - the camera seems light years behind my Z1U in picture quality and ease of use. Ok, light years is a bit much! But, it just didn't feel right using it...I was forced to of course. I did a corporate gig last month where I used my Z1U and it was a little softer than a JVC large shoulder mount. That's something to note. Pan with action and if it's fast action...up the shutter speed a little to compensate. Also, add more light if possible...you could add gain instead or open your iris of course. It just needs more light anyway you slice it. Buy and stick with decent tape stock - minimum I get is Sony Premium and haven't had any problems. However, people have said that dropouts are possible because of the nature of the mechanics with HDV...play it safe if you are shooting something important. __________________ Christopher C. Murphy Director, Producer, Writer